CM Saini flags off special train carrying pilgrims to Ayodhya

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini today flagged off a special train from Ambala Cantonment railway station carrying pilgrims from Haryana to Ayodhya.

The CM also announced that in the last week of April, another special train would be flagged off for devotees to Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra.

While addressing the pilgrims at Ambala Cantonment railway station, the Chief Minister said that today is a historic and emotional moment for Haryana.

“Flagging off this special pilgrimage train from the sacred land associated with Lord Krishna to the birthplace of Lord Ram in Ayodhya dham is a matter of great pride and honour. The grand, divine and newly built temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya is a matter of pride for the entire nation. This journey to Ayodhya is not just a physical journey but a spiritual transformation,” said Nayab Singh Saini.

He informed that the Haryana Government has entered into an agreement with the Railways for pilgrimage travel. Under this arrangement, over 700 elderly people from seven districts (Ambala, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Panipat and Sonepat) are being sent on this first train. Adequate arrangements for food and security have been made to ensure a comfortable journey.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to ensuring that elderly citizens and economically weaker devotees are not deprived of pilgrimage due to financial constraints. With this objective, the government has launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana’ and today’s train is a symbol of that promise. He added that earlier also, devotees from Kaithal, Karnal, Ambala and Jind were facilitated to visit Ayodhya on buses. The CM also highlighted various schemes being run by the state government to facilitate pilgrims.

On this occasion, former Minister of State Aseem Goel, Director General of Information, Public Relations and Languages Department K Makarand Pandurang, and several other officials were present.

Later, the CM reached the residence of Haryana Cabinet Minister Anil Vij and enquired about his health. Anil Vij had been on bed rest since he suffered fractures in both his feet.

The Chief Minister also attended a religious programme organised by the Kashyap Rajput Punjabi Welfare Society at Devi Nagar Temple in Ambala City and inaugurated a newly constructed shed on the premises.

Speaking on the occasion, Nayab Singh Saini said that every year, the society organises a religious fair here where a large number of devotees come to seek the blessings of Maharishi Kashyap.